Think all dogs with vests are legit service animals? Think again.
In this episode, Amy Castro sits down with disability experts Elisa Hayes and Donna Mack to break down the facts—and fiction—surrounding service dogs.

Together, they explore the real legal definitions under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the responsibilities of handlers, and what happens when people abuse the system.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• What truly qualifies a dog as a service animal under ADA guidelines
• The difference between service dogs, emotional support animals, and therapy dogs
• How fake service animals create real problems for those who rely on legitimate ones

Whether you're a business owner, pet parent, or simply curious about the truth, this episode sheds light on a topic that's often misunderstood—and misrepresented.

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
EMBARK Dog DNA Tests

P.S. You may hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk in this episode. That was our original name. Don’t worry, you’re in the right place.

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Pet parenting is tough, but we give you pet advice and real pet parenting solutions for the daily issues you’re facing. Each week we share pet cost hacks and tips for pet care on a budget, along with smart ways to save money on pet care and pet food savings that really work. If you’re stressed about vet bills, conflicting pet nutrition advice, or cat behavior problems, you’ll get practical support right away.

You'll hear expert pet advice on dog training and managing pet behavior, cat care insights, pet care advice, pet food safety tips, and strategies to keep multi-pet homes calm. We also cover pet nutrition advice, stress-free vet visits, home cleaning with pets, and simple shifts that help you protect your wallet without sacrificing your pet’s wellbeing.

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Contact: [email protected] ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

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